Every year, new technology is being introduced in the roofing industry. From innovative materials to improved technologies, roofing companies are always looking for ways to improve their processes.
With the rise in demand for more modern roofing solutions, technology has also increased in its scope and innovation. There are many benefits to using advanced technology in the roofing industry, including better roof design and production, speed and accuracy of installation and repair, energy efficiency, cost savings, and improved quality.
From the types of materials used to the design and construction process, roof industry professionals are constantly trying to keep up with ever-increasing technology. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the latest tech advances in the roofing industry today.
Cutting-Edge Solar Roofing Tech
When it comes to solar roofing today, there are various advanced roofing technologies that can be used. Instead of using traditional solar panels attached on racks and just having a general look, today’s solar roofs utilize different styles which would have been impossible without the advancements in technology we have now.
There is a wide variety of brands for each style as well so that you can find one best suited for your home or business. The newer solar roofs today are made from an advanced hybrid material that is designed to look like a traditional roof while also being able to maximize energy production. This new tech has seen a lot of interest in the roofing industry, and companies like Tesla and Panasonic have invested in it.
Tesla’s own solar roof concepts, for example, make use of their own proprietary solar roofing tiles, which do not use traditional tile. Instead, they go with tempered glass cells and matching non-solar tiles to the edge of the roof.
Eco-Friendly Roofs (Green Roofs)
One of the most recent innovations in the roofing industry has been the development of Eco-friendly roofs. As more people have become aware of environmental issues, green roofs have proved to be a viable option for residential, commercial, or industrial buildings. With an eco-friendly roof, you are able to reduce your carbon footprint and protect the environment at the same time.
Made to encourage the growth of vegetation, green roofs are typically built with a waterproofing layer, a root barrier, a drainage system and growing medium for the plants. More advanced green roof concepts, such as roof gardens, can be made to support much larger plants or larger-scale farming and even have more advanced features such as irrigation systems or smart environment control.
Although environmentalists may love the idea of using this kind of new roofing technology for homes, many people believe green roofs might be too expensive, prone to leaks, or are complicated to build.
If the roof is well installed, with a quality waterproofing membrane, there should be no more leakage issues than you would expect from any other kind of roof. And if you work with a knowledgeable roofing contractor for the selection of materials, vegetation, irrigation, etc., it is entirely possible to create a beautiful and sustainable green roof that doesn’t need to cost a fortune.
Better Roofing Materials
Manufacturers are now creating synthetic roofing materials that mimic natural ones like cedar, spruce, and others. Old roofing materials, like asbestos, have been used in the past to create synthetic roofing options. And modern technologies today have allowed manufacturers to create products that replicate the look of natural materials with no toxic substances.
Another recent advancement in solar roofing is the use of recycled materials. Recycled materials allow for greater resource efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and better quality construction. Companies like Elon Musk’s Tesla have incorporated recycled materials into their designs with impressive results.
For really advanced technology, one of the latest innovations in roofing materials is the use of graphene, which is an advanced form of carbon that can be used to create lightweight materials. Graphene is one of the strongest materials on earth because it’s one atom thick and has great surface area with conductive properties.
Graphene has been used for a number of applications, but its application in roofing has so far been limited due to its cost. However, there are now companies developing products that incorporate the use of graphene that have shown promise when it comes to cost-effectiveness and durability compared to traditional roofing materials. This means you may soon see this amazing material utilized in more residential construction projects.
Tech Advances in Roof Manufacturing
Roofing businesses today have always been using computers to produce large quantities of shingles, but lately the industry has seen a new level of efficiency that benefits their customers. Now, computer-generated engineering helps manufacture laminated roofing products for every conceivable job. This increases product uniformity through raw material use and weight, appearance across various colors and materials used. Through computer-generated engineering, roofing manufacturers are better able to guarantee each client an aesthetically appealing roof with zero flaws in it!
Furthermore, with the introduction of computers in manufacturing, property managers and owners have more options than ever before when it comes to choosing roofing colors. You can choose from traditional roofing colors or custom combinations with budget blends designed to look like more expensive alternatives.
Granules have also been improved with the introduction of an algae-resistant additive, which helps prevent unsightly black streaks and stains. Additionally, they now include UV stabilizers to prolong roofs’ lifespan and maintain aesthetic appeal.
Another novel way to increase the efficiency and quality of roof manufacturing is through the use of 3D printing. This technology can be used for everything from designing new roofs and producing prototypes, to making repair parts. With 3D printers, you can produce a design in minutes that would have taken hours or days with traditional production methods. This means you could speed up your production process and reduce wasted materials.
Some roofing companies today also make use of robotics to improve the efficiency and quality of manufacturing. Robotic arms are able to complete tasks that would have been impossible by human hands in an efficient manner and at high speeds. They also offer increased precision which leads to better quality and accuracy during construction as well as higher productivity as they’re able to complete several tasks simultaneously.
Tech Improvements in Installation
One way to inspect a roof these days is by using drones. Drone technology also helps you understand if there are any significant problems with your roof, allowing damage detection before and after pictures, roof inspection without risking the roofer’s safety, and preventing risk on a deteriorating roof.
Another recent advancement in roofing installations is the use of 3D modeling software. With this software, roofers can create realistic mock-ups of residential and commercial properties that help them make better decisions during construction and design stages.
Another challenge for roofers is carrying heavy shingles or other material bundles up a ladder to their rooftop. With new technologies, roofers are now able to reduce risks by having materials delivered directly onto roofs via fleet cranes without any trouble from reaching the top or getting dangerously injured. This allows them to do this in an efficient and timely manner.
Today we also have water- and ice-resistant membranes added to underlayments in order to make them more durable. This prevents damage from happening when there is water or ice build up, which would otherwise create cuts you have to do by hand that can be both messy and costly.
Lastly, one of the latest advances in roofing technology is the use of advanced robotics to perform installation tasks. In some cases, these robots are able to install a roof with no human intervention. This automation is not only used for installation but also for repair and maintenance. This allows roofers to focus on other tasks, like quality control.
A Final Word on the Latest Tech Advances in the Roofing Industry
As the roofing industry continues to evolve, technology is becoming more and more important. Newer, better products and materials are being developed to give homeowners the most advanced roofing systems available.
From green roofs to cutting-edge solar roofing tech to better roofing materials, it’s clear that technology is a key component to keeping your roof healthy and safe.
If you are looking for the latest advances in roofing technology, give the Yorkshire Roofing team a call at (800) 794-7444. We are always happy to share our knowledge and experience with you to make sure that you are getting the best roof possible for your home or business.